Isabelle’s Reviews > East of Eden > Status Update

Penguin classic version.
“Lee's voice said, "I know that sometimes a lie is used in kindness.
I don't believe it ever works kindly. The quick pain of truth can pass away, but the slow, eating agony of a lie is never lost. That's a running sore."

"You wouldn't lay a trap for me?" Lee asked. "My wish isn't as strong as it once was. I'm afraid I could be talked out of it or, what would be worse, I could be held back just by being needed. Please try not to need me. That's the worst bait of all to a lonely man."

"I don't know where being a servant came into dis-repute. It is the refuge of a philosopher, the food of the lazy, and, properly carried out, it is a position of power, even of love. I can't understand why more intelligent people don't take it as a career-learn to do it well and reap its benefits. A good servant has absolute security, not because of his master's kindness, but because of habit and indolence.”